Because the Black Beetles were highly venomous, the cleanup took quite a bit of time. Tra had originally estimated that it would take only ten minutes, but in the end, it took around twenty. Since no one could touch the Black Beetle fragments with their hands, they could only use makeshift tools fashioned from limited supplies to push the debris off the Stone Ladder and clear the steps.
After clearing away all the fragments, the cleanup mercenaries rested for only twenty minutes before setting out again. Everyone was exhausted, but once the designated time was up, they had no choice but to move.
This time, Tra still led the way at the front, with the Ability Users in the middle and William leading the rear. However, the other mercenaries had switched positions. When they first came in, the rear team had scouted ahead while the front team was responsible for their safety. So now, Chen Mo was walking at the front of the formation.
This time, the entire team was far more cautious. Whenever they passed one of those pitch-black cave openings, they inspected it meticulously. Every person observed it again and again before quickly and carefully passing through.
They also had to toss a Glow Stick into every cave opening for illumination. Anyone passing by an opening had to inspect it before proceeding.
The previous assault had left too deep an impression, especially the way those Black Beetles had surged forward like a tidal wave. Everyone who had seen it still felt lingering fear.
Just now, several mercenaries had died at the cave entrance before they could even react. Such losses could actually have been avoided. Even Chen Mo could not help glancing into the openings as he passed them. He was playing the role of a mercenary now,